GTDC unveils slew of measures
PANJIM, APRIL 7
Unveiling a plethora of proposals to boost tourism, the Goa Tourism Development Corporation (GTDC) today announced plans to develop its properties at various locations in Goa on the public-private partnership (PPP) mode and also to purchase a luxury cruise vessel to promote cruise tourism. Besides, it will introduce air-conditioned hop-on hop-off bus services in a tourism circuit in North Goa.
Disclosing this at a press conference, GTDC Chairman Shyam Satardekar said that the GTDC board of directors (BoD) has decided to appoint a reputed consultant for providing project development advisory services for maintenance and development of various properties of the GTDC in Goa on on the PPP model.
“The consultant would suggest the best possible alternative, to develop various GTDC properties for promotion of tourism and to create a world class infrastructure aimed at promoting hinterland tourism, educational tourism, adventure sports, floating marinas, etc so as to generate additional revenue for the GTDC and to convert idle assets into revenue generating assets,” he said.
Satardekar said that the corporation has 35 landed properties all over the state in coastal and hinterland areas which have a great potential for development.
“The total estimated investment in various PPP projects is estimated to be approximately Rs 450 to 500 crores,” the GTDC chairman stated adding “the best private partners will be selected by following government guidelines for PPP so as to convert GTDC in to a profit-making corporation.”
Tender for appointment of consultants will be floated soon so that the PPP projects are made operational within 12 months, he said.
Luxury cruise: GTDC has decided to purchase a luxury cruise vessel to cater to the lucrative business of cruise tourism.
GTDC Managing Director Nikhil Desai said that the vessel will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 6.5 crores
“The new boat will be third in the fleet of our existing vessels and is expected to be commissioned by end of this year,” Desai said.
Giving further details of the vessel, he said the cruise vessel will have a capacity of 250 persons and will be a unique vessel as far as interior design and other facilities are concerned.
“It is expected to cater to unique services like floating restaurant, floating hall, floating boardroom etc,” he said.
Hop-on hop-off bus: The GTDC also has decided to introduce air conditioned hop- on hop-off bus services in a tourism circuit in North Goa to enable tourists to visit tourist destinations in a nominal budget.
“Initially only three buses fully equipped with audio, video equipment will be commissioned on a trial basis and later depending on the response, additional circuits may also be covered by introducing more buses”, Desai said.
Pomburpa spring: The BoD has decided to form a committee comprising local and GTDC officials in order to over-see the regular upkeep and maintenance of Pomburpa spring.
“This will be a pilot effort to introduce community participation in the maintenance of places of tourist interest, by sensitising the local community to play an active role and preserve the tourist destinations of the state by involving the stakeholders,” Desai said.
